History
The Oscurwood Company is a private guard and escort service established in
Eldurgrund, though they descend from a mercenary group known as the Silent Briars in the city of
Newmot. Their predecessors disbanded following the ascension of
Efan Turases to the role of duke and his subsequent banning of private military businesses. After several bouts of fragmentation and radiation to new lands (both into the marsh and out), the Oscurwood company was born with a new approach to their services. As Eldurgrund had also banned mercenary work, the Oscruwoods began advertising themselves as escorts throughout the governy, mostly pitching a sense of security to those interested in their services.
Over time, lordships began noting their brutal approach to "protection." Deaths were consistent on their jobs, even when contracts were relatively benign; as deaths increased, the Oscurwoods' popularity grew. The organization had spread across
Eldurgrund's central road from
Euvurcrest to
Urrlógun. Such a popular trade route also encouraged foreigners to take part in the alleged crimes, which didn't go unpunished by the
Heisel Family, who took the initiative of ousting the organization from
Urrlógun in a harsh conflict; each of those cast out was deemed a trespasser within the lordship and the Oscurwood sigil was outlawed. The swift action inspired other lordships to do the same, as the
Emilsen Family banned their crossing over
Twinskeep: an action that would restrict their reach to eastern Eldurgrund.
Contemporary Conflict
While most lordships have gotten wise to the Oscurwoods' scheme of disguised mercenary work, some are willing to remain ignorant. The
Osman family and broad nobility of
Euvurcrest make regular use of their services. While the
Osmans utilize their escort services outside the walls, citizens of
Euvurcrest have arguably held the mercenaries afloat. With the addition of Vagrant's lot to the heart of the city under
Gunderr Hellstrom's rule, many feel unsafe traveling the streets at night and seek out protection. Others may blame the lot's residents for thievery and petty crime, which leads the Oscruwoods to "stumble" into conflict with the alleged aggressor.
Vocal minorities criticize the obvious and unjust presence of mercenary work, often blaming Vagrants Lot itself for their success (as many vagrants have no choice but to seek out cheap work from the Oscurwoods, perpetuating their growth). The only precautionary actions have been the mandatory closing of the lot's exits after a certain hour and the increased presence of guards upon its walls. Some have complained to governor
Gunderr Hellstrom for not removing the Oscurwoods from the city, though he has either been kept busy or the concerns have fallen on deaf ears. Some conspire that
Hathor Osman has requested him to avoid taking action so that her family could continue using their services, though this rumor spread from a sighting of her being escorted late into the night by its members.
Structure
Anyone can take a job with the Oscurwoods, even without prior credentials, citizenship, or ownership of weapons. Along with accepting a contract, one accepts the risk and responsibility. Those performing entry jobs will not be compensated for failure or personal injury; instead, the contract will be given away to someone else. Most of these entry jobs are escort requests through Vagrants' Lot or between settlements. If several jobs are completed, outsiders are considered for membership. Being a member is a metric of experience, yet many still join without owning weapons or martial training. All members are allowed access to the guild's poor weapons stockpile (often an assortment of damaged and rusted scrap weapons), but in Vagrants' Lot, owning the weapon alone wins the fights.
While no roles exist between "entry member" and the leading captains, each Oscurwood mercenary receives a score based on the number of jobs completed; difficult tasks yield better score increases, but the decisions are qualitative and determined by the organization's accountants. High-profile jobs are always given to the well-scored members with availability. The captains relegate themselves to political advocacy, advertising, and choreographing important jobs (such as vetting and deciding safe routes to travel: a true use of their stated purpose provided only to the most influential customers).
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